What is the term for water prior to treatment?

The term for water prior to treatment is "raw water." This designation refers to water that has not undergone any purification or treatment processes. Raw water can come from various sources, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, or reservoirs, and may contain contaminants, sediments, and other substances that need to be removed or managed before the water can be considered safe for human consumption or use.

Understanding this concept is crucial in the context of water treatment, as it emphasizes the importance of the treatment processes that raw water must go through to transform it into safe drinking water. This distinction highlights the significance of assessing and treating water effectively to ensure public health and safety.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different stages or types of water. Pumped water refers to water that has been physically moved from one location to another, often as part of the extraction or distribution process but does not specify its treatment status. Potable water indicates water that is safe for drinking, thus having undergone treatment to remove contaminants. Treated water refers specifically to water that has been subjected to purification processes, making it suitable for consumption or other uses.